AAUW teaches women how to navigate a male-dominated business world

Over the course of women's careers, they lose a minimum of $700,000 when compared to their male counterparts. The UCCS American Association of University Woman (AAUW) club strives to create awareness of this pay gap.

"We are the only club that actively generates awareness about the is­sue gender pay gap in the country so that our gradu­ating students are better prepared in the real world or the job market," said Aditi Mitra, AAUW fac­ulty advisor.

AAUW, which was founded in 2007 by Mitra, advocates for business­women to provide them the best chance possible in a male-dominated field.

"Our goal is to make sure that our student mem­bers who graduate from UCCS have better oppor­tunities in the job market, in higher academics with the scope for applying for scholarships, mentorships and networking with other accomplished women in the local community," said Mitra.

From the student per­spective, Mitra is accom­plishing this goal.

"I found the club to be a great resource for women's empowerment and networking for post-graduation," said Melissa Burkenbine, club member. "Dr. Aditi Mitra has done a fabulous job as the advisor and as a national member that started the campus branch. I would really like to give her praise for in­spiring me."

According to Mitra, it will also sponsor club members to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders this spring, which is hosted by the national AAUW in Maryland.

The 2012 conference will provide ample op­portunities for students to hear keynote speakers, meet Women of Distinc­tion award recipients, par­ticipate in workshops and community service events, attend the Graduate School Fair and network with other students and busi­ness women, according to the National Conference's website (nccwsl.org).

"My experience with the UCCS AAUW has inspired me to join the AAUW at the national lev­el upon my graduation, in hopes of becoming active on a grander scale," said Burkenbine, who attended the National Conference in 2011.

AAUW also helps to connect students with the Colorado Springs Chapter in order to access $1,000 in scholarships, said Mitra.

According to Dixie Gordon, President of the AAUW Colorado Springs Chapter, the local chapter was created in an effort "to advance equity for women and girls through advo­cacy, education philan­thropy and research. We gather in many different ways together and share friendships and wonderful activities to make all this happen."

Burkenbine said that her experience attending the Colorado Springs Chapter as a campus representa­tive, "was an eye opener and I now know what di­rection I want to go after graduation."

In February 2012, AAUW will combine stu­dent efforts with those of the Colorado Springs Chapter to co-host the "In­tergeneration Communica­tion" event on campus.

This event will "provide a forum where women from different generations can interact with each other and discuss issues pertaining to life, profes­sion, social activism and the mission of AAUW," said Mitra.

"Intergeneration Com­munication" will be open to all women and their daughters in an effort to "build a bridge between the generations and have them come to a common ground," according to Mi­tra.

This event is currently scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. in Brecken­ridge Hall.

Please contact Mitra (amitra@uccs.edu) in Feb­ruary for the full details concerning this event, as it is still in the planning stages.

The Lowdown

What:

AAUW Club

When:

4 p.m. every other Friday

Contact Aditi Mitra for

next date

Where:

ROAR Office

Conference Room

More Info:

Nicole Dennis, President

UCCS AAUW Club

ndennis@uccs.edu

aauwcoloradosprings.org

nncwsl.org